Arthur "Pete" Obst

Arthur “Pete” Obst, also known as “Dad”, “Pops” “Grampa Pete”, “Grampa Peep” and “GPete” ….. was born on July 21, 1930. Dad was the youngest of 7 boys and 2 girls, a large farming family from the Yellow Grass district in Saskatchewan. Life was tough back then, being born as the depression and “dirty 30’s” were just setting in. The Obst family made it work however, everyone pitching in and doing what they could to keep the farm going.

Although Dad started out as a farm kid, he made the transition to city slicker right about when he reached his 20’s. Dad got a job in the big city of Regina and for the next 20 some years worked as a sales representative for a wholesale plywood/building supply firm.

It was just after this point in time that Pete met Fran Kilmartin and they became husband and wife. That resulted in 4 more Obst’s landing on the planet, Grant in 1958, Doug in 1961, Graham in 1966 and Donna in 1969.

Dad travelled the prairie provinces extensively back in those days and when school was out for the summer, Grant and occasionally Doug, looked forward to tagging along with him on a trip through the province, visiting lumber yards, staying in motels and eating at the A&W and other small-town restaurants.

In the early 70’s, Dad and a couple of close friends decided to become partners and open a restaurant. Although Dad is of European German descent, his partners were Asian, with one having extensive restaurant experience. Together they opened the Chinese Palace on south Albert Street in Regina. Dad stayed with that for a few years until he got a job offer from another wholesale building supply firm and he decided to go back to that which he was more familiar with and was once again travelling the province.

Dad spent much of his recreational time on the links golfing up a storm or throwing rocks at the curling rink. In the fall, he enjoyed bird hunting, something both Grant and Graham enjoyed with him. Dad was a die-hard Sask. Roughrider fan and he and Doug had season tickets for many years.

In their retirement years, Mom and Dad migrated to Kelowna. Mom had a sister in Kelowna and having visited the Okanagan on several occasions fell in love with the place and was able to talk the prairie boy in to moving to BC. Over time, Donna, Graham and Doug all ended up living in Kelowna, which was a great thing for Mom and Dad. Mom and Dad shared a residence with Donna and her husband Tony which worked out great as Mom and Dad entered their golden and platinum years.

After Mom passed in 2022, Grant talked Dad into moving back to Saskatchewan. Grant had always lived hours and hours from Mom and Dad, and Grant, with his own impending retirement, thought he could spend some quality time with Dad in his final years. Dad moved to Saskatoon in November of 2022. He had a suite at Aspira Stonebridge Retirement Community, spending most weekends at Grant’s place where he enjoyed watching football, hockey, golf, and curling along with steak BBQs with Tannis and the dogs and occasionally ordering pizza or KFC. Grant became very accomplished at preparing Dad’s favorite breakfast, bacon and eggs.

Dad passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 94 years of age.

Pete was predeceased by his wife Fran, 6 brothers and 2 sisters. Dad is survived by 3 sons and a daughter, Grant (Tannis), Doug (Rie), Graham (Nancy) and Donna (Tony). Dad also leaves behind 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, therapists, and staff at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon City Hospital (3rd floor) and St. Paul’s Hospital (5th floor) and Parkridge Centre (Geriatric Enablement Unit). There were some tough days in the past few months and weeks. The compassion and care provided to Dad was so very much appreciated.

Additionally, much thanks to Management and Staff at Aspira Stonebridge Retirement Community. Dad enjoyed his last couple of years in your care.

Lastly, thanks to Mourning Glory – Acadia McKague’s Funeral Chapel. Dad’s wish was that there be no service.

Rest peacefully Dad, till we meet again. Love you and miss you.

Arrangements are entrusted to Derryl Hildebrandt (306) 955-1600